Shining Tor, Cats Tor & the Goyt Valley 

Peak District National Park

10miles 1800ft

The very interesting sign board near where I parked

My route took me from the higher reservoir to the highest point, Shining Tor (top left), then down the ridge and through the forest to the lower reservoir, and followed the path back alongside both reservoirs

A very early start by Errwood reservoir!

....and again....

....and again...

....and again!

A short walk west up the valley are the ruins of Errwood Hall built around 1843. The estate included farms, a coal mine, a school & its own private Catholic Chapel. It was demolished by Stockport corporation in 1934 when the reservoirs were built!

Sadly this is all that remains

Starting the climb out of the valley to Shining Tor...

....with Errwood reservoir now in view

I was clearly under the flight path to Manchester airport as this was a frequent occurence!

The last part of the climb to Shining Tor

Shining Tor summit 1834ft The highest point in Cheshire!

I'm not sure which transmitter this...suggestions welcome

Just below the summit though a bit hazy is the Cat & Fiddle pass to Buxton....

....and again....

....also a hazy Manchester sky line

Continuing along the ridge to Cats Tor, many of the paths in the Peak District park are flagged like this to protect the peat from erosion by the many walkers

Now descending to the forest walk through to Fernilee reservoir.....

....which took me along the 'Mid Shires Way' long distance footpath

My Merlin bird app identified, among others, a Gold Crest, Chiff Chaff & a Black Cap

Lunch time by the reservoir before the final walk back alongside it to....

....where I was parked. I was a little surprised to find that Buxton was only 4miles away.

Another great day's walking (When is it not you may ask!)

I'd not been to the Peak District for some time.

Leaving very early in the morning I'd no problem with M60 traffic.

 A walk in Teesdale, County Durham

Grassholme reservoir north side, Harter fell, Middleton in Teesdale, a section of the Railway walk & return via reservoir south side. 9miles 1600ft

Setting off from the western end of Grassholme reservoir in the early morning

Looking east down the reservoir

There was a bridge next to where I was parked which I would use on the return leg

Looking down the length of the reservoir again....

....before starting the gentle climb to Harter fell following the Pennine Way path

 

Looking back south over the reservoir to the Northern Dales

Harter fell summit trig point 1578ft

Following the ridge to the east I passed this Bronze age Tumulus mound (burial ground) now covered with trees....

....before descending to the town of Middleton in Teesdale....

....crossing the river Tees on the way

Middleton's main street....

....where I sat for a mid morning coffee. It's a lovely little town with lots of interest and some great walking in the area.... 

....including this railway walk....

.....which I followed....

....and continued along...

....noticing an abundance of Red Admiral butterflies. 

It wasn't too long before I arrived at the river Lune viaduct (not the Lancashire Lune)

Looking down off the viaduct to the road and river

Following field paths back west I passed the visitor centre on the side of the reservoir which seemed to be primarily a fishing tackle shop! There were plenty of anglers out trying their luck!

I continued along an attractive path by the reservoir....  

......on the way to the bridge leading back to the car.

Some years ago I walked the Pennine Way and it's now always a pleasure to revisit the many and varied sections which I enjoyed at the time. Today was no exception despite only a snap shot of the whole  Pennine Way

 Two walks for the price of one!

Walk 1

High Dam from Newby Bridge via Lakeside 5miles 750ft

Parking and setting from the weir on the river Leven at Newby Bridge

Passing the marina as I walked towards Lakeside

....and continued through meadows....

....and back to the riverside

Arriving at Lakeside where the steam railway terminates

Looking north up Windermere....

....and east to Gummers How fell....leaving lakeside I started the short climb to High Dam.....

....passing through Finsthwaite village on the way....

....and climbing up through the woods

.....to High Dam tarn

....where the lillies

....were just starting to bloom....

....and again

Leaving the tarn I returned to....

Newby Bridge.

Walk 2 

South Walney Nature Reserve, 3miles

I parked at the visitor centre which hadn't opened and set off round the reserve with a view across to 

Piel island....not a bird or a seal in sight 

I crossed to the marsh hide but still nothing to be seen....

.....except a rather interesting insect on the Viper's Bulgloss plant... any suggestions for the insect species would be very welcome!

I then walked south to the lighthouse and....

....and the shoreline hide....still nothing to be seen

....where are the 500 seals I was supposed to be able to see? At this point I decided to give up and walk back to the visitor centre! 

I enquired at the centre and apparently I should have come before mid May!!!!

I did actually see 2 Sand Martins and a few Oyster Catchers but they didn't seem to want their photos taken and flew off! 

Not quite what I expected today but nevertheless a very enjoyable outing.